FIFA Climate Strategy
As part of its unwavering commitment to sustainability, FIFA took to the global stage in November 2021 to present the FIFA Climate Strategy at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Scotland – confirming its pledge to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Sports for Climate Action Framework.
FIFA joined the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework in December 2018 and, as part of its sustainability strategy, had already committed to reduce football’s emissions over the next two decades.
At COP26, FIFA reaffirmed its commitment to the global goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement by pledging to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2040.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines “net zero” as “a state where there is no incremental addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere”. This means that once all avoidable emissions have been reduced, residual emissions have to be removed from the atmosphere.
“I am proud to announce today that − based on our long experience with climate action in football − FIFA has developed a comprehensive strategy and is committed to investing substantial resources.”
“This is a critical moment. The change in weather patterns is impacting the environment and its rich biodiversity, food security and access to fresh water, as well as the health and well-being of individuals,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a video address to the delegates gathered in Glasgow.
“Following my election as FIFA President in 2016, FIFA became the first international sports organisation to join the UNFCCC Climate Neutral Now campaign, pledging to measure, reduce and compensate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the FIFA World Cups.
“I am proud to announce today that − based on our long experience with climate action in football − FIFA has developed a comprehensive strategy and is committed to investing substantial resources that will allow FIFA and football to reach the ambitious and necessary objectives of the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework.”
“We, as inhabitants of this planet, must all make this our priority.”
The FIFA Climate Strategy consists of four pillars and three key goals that will put FIFA on the path to climate-friendly performance, thus protecting FIFA’s tournaments from the negative climate change impacts and ensuring climate- resilient football development across FIFA operations and events by 2040.
Also present at COP26 was Isha Johansen, a FIFA Council member. Addressing the Sports for Climate Action − On the Race to Zero session, she said: “We, as inhabitants of this planet, must all make this our priority.”
FIFA climate strategy: four pillars
“Football also has the power to radically shift mindsets on climate change and mainstream climate action. We have a huge, attentive audience and it is our duty to amplify these key messages. We will help educate fans on climate change and encourage them to play their part in protecting the planet and the beautiful game. We have a moral, urgent duty to accelerate our action. Our commitment to protecting our climate remains unwavering.”